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Oxford is a collegiate university, consisting of the central University and colleges. The central University is composed of academic departments and research centres, administrative departments, libraries and museums. The 38 colleges are self-governing and financially independent institutions, which are related to the central University in a federal system. There are also six permanent private halls, which were founded by different Christian denominations and which still retain their Christian character. The different roles of the colleges and the University have evolved over time.

The University determines the content of the courses within which college teaching takes place, organises lectures, seminars and lab work, provides a wide range of resources for teaching and learning, provides administrative services and centrally managed student services, admits and supervises graduate students, and examines theses, sets and marks examinations, and awards degrees.

The colleges select and admit undergraduate students, and select graduate students after they are admitted by the University, provide accommodation, meals, common rooms, libraries, sports and social facilities, and pastoral care for their students, take responsibility for tutorial teaching for undergraduates.

Undergraduate teaching is centred on the tutorial, where 1–4 students spend an hour with an academic discussing their week's work, usually an essay (humanities, most social sciences, some mathematical, physical, and life sciences) or problem sheet (most mathematical, physical, and life sciences, and some social sciences). The university itself is responsible for conducting examinations and conferring degrees. Undergraduate teaching takes place during three eight-week academic terms: Michaelmas, Hilary andTrinity. These teaching terms are shorter than those of most other British universities, and their total duration amounts to less than half the year. However, undergraduates are also expected to do some academic work during the three holidays (known as the Christmas, Easter, and Long Vacations).

Research degrees at the master's and doctoral level are conferred in all subjects studied at graduate level at the university.

Faculties

Humanities Division

The Humanities Division comprises around a third of the University's community of staff and students, offering taught graduate and research degrees in a very wide range of subjects.

Some of these subjects are relatively new, and cross the boundaries of traditional disciplines. Others are areas of academic research that have long been recognised as of central importance, and they include some that few other universities are still able to support. In each case, the objective is to sustain and to teach the highest standards of scholarship. The dynamism of intellectual activity is in evidence in the wide variety of open lectures and seminars, in addition to those for specific courses.

You will have access to an immense range of research material, including digital resources. These resources are provided through Oxford’s impressive library system, based on the central Bodleian libraries, through the work produced by the University's research projects, and through the rich and diverse holdings of its museums.

In addition to materials and support focused on conveying subject-specific knowledge, there is a wide range of facilities aimed at the personal and professional development of students; strengthening their existing skills and developing new skills, and preparing them for careers after they have completed their studies.

Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences Division

The MPLS Division is home to some of the most creative and innovative scientific thinkers and leaders working in academe. Senior researchers in MPLS at Oxford have been awarded some of the most significant scientific honours and the division has a strong tradition of attracting and nurturing the very best early career researchers who regularly secure prestigious fellowships.

Medical Sciences Division

The Medical Sciences Division houses some of the strongest biomedical research in the world; Oxford is repeatedly placed first in clinical, pre-clinical and health in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

The division’s 2,000 researchers cover a wide area, ranging from sub-molecular structural biology to epidemiology as applied to very large populations. This enables students to work on virtually any biomedical problem. With close to 1,200 graduate students, excellent new facilities, and close personal supervision by world-class researchers, the division provides a stimulating and challenging environment for talented graduate students.

The course names below do not fully reflect the wide range of research projects available. Prospective students are encouraged to use the Medical Sciences Graduate School website to help them identify opportunities and courses based on their area of interest.

All candidates who apply by the January deadline are automatically considered for full funding awards, irrespective of their nationality. The majority of students accepted by the division secure full funding, covering both fees and living expenses.

Social Sciences Division

The Social Sciences Division comprises the largest grouping of social sciences in the UK, home to a fourteen outstanding departments, including the Saïd Business School and the Blavatnik School of Government.

Oxford's Social Sciences departments are committed to research that develops a greater understanding of all aspects of our complex society, from the impact of political, legal and economic systems on social and economic welfare to human rights and security, disseminating this research through innovative graduate courses.

A wide range of courses is offered, many of which are recognised by the UK Research Councils and provide preparation for doctoral work, as well as being discrete programmes of advanced study in their own right; others provide a professional qualification. All are rooted in research of international standing and students have access to a well-resourced, active research environment.

The purpose-built Centre for Advanced Studies in the Social Sciences, adjacent to the Faculty of Law houses the Departments of Economics, Politics and International Relations, and Sociology. This building also houses the Bodleian Social Science Library and provides exceptional facilities for master’s and research students.

As one of the major providers of social science research in the UK, the University, in collaboration with Brunel University and the Open University, hosts the “Grand Union Doctoral Training Partnership”, one of fourteen Doctoral Training Partnerships recently accredited by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) as part of a new Doctoral Training Network. ESRC DTP studentships are available in a wide variety of training pathways in the social sciences, for both DPhil and master's-to-DPhil programmes.

Department for Continuing Education

The need for educational opportunities throughout life is now recognised in all sectors of modern society: an intensive period of initial higher education, even of the highest quality, is simply not sufficient in times of rapid social, economic and technological change. Through the work of the Department for Continuing Education, Oxford is recognised internationally as a leading provider of extended learning for purposes of professional and personal development.

The department provides high-quality, flexible, part-time postgraduate education specifically tailored for adults. Opportunities exist to undertake postgraduate certificates, postgraduate diplomas and taught master’s degrees in a wide range of subjects. Increasing numbers of courses are delivered in mixed mode, combining intensive residential periods in Oxford with tutored online study. Part-time doctoral programmes are also available in a number of disciplines.

The department's courses recruit adult students of all ages regionally, nationally and internationally, and many courses are offered in conjunction with other departments of the University. Subjects available to study at the department span the humanities, mathematical, physical and life sciences, medical sciences and social sciences - encompassing, for example, archaeology, English local history, creative writing, sustainable urban development, international human rights law, evidence-based health care, and cognitive therapy.

Students on all the department’s programmes are members of its Graduate School, which aims to provide a stimulating and enriching learning and research environment for the department's postgraduate students, fostering intellectual and social interaction between students from different disciplines and professions from the UK and around the globe through inter-disciplinary research seminars, training opportunities and other events.

The Department for Continuing Education offers scholarships for the MSt in International Human Rights Law and the MSc in Sustainable Urban Development. All Master's and DPhil applicants are considered for Clarendon Scholarships, and the department is committed to seeking to provide scholarship support for other graduate students wherever possible.

The department also offers full-time pre-master’s courses - the Advanced Diploma in British & European Studies and the Foundations of Diplomacy Course. Aimed at students who intend to pursue master’s degree studies at leading British universities, they combine academic study across a number of disciplines with an intensive English language enhancement programme.

Faculty of Law

The Faculty of Law in the University of Oxford is one of the largest in the United Kingdom. It is a federation of thirty law schools in the colleges of the University. Legal scholars in the colleges and University are members of the Faculty, which coordinates and supports the teaching and writing of one hundred fifty three academics. We admit and support and teach and examine a diverse and outstanding body of students from all parts of the British Isles and from all over the world. Our student-to-faculty ratio is approximately 7:1.

Oxford is different from any other law school.

Students for the BA in Jurisprudence are typically taught in pair tutorials. A tutorial is an exercise for which the student writes an essay, so that the focus of the meeting is on the student's own work on the subject.

We have the only graduate degrees in the world that are taught in tutorials as well as in classes (the BCL, MJur, and the new Master's in Law and Finance).

We have the largest doctoral programme in Law in the English-speaking world.

History

There is no clear date of foundation, but teaching existed at Oxford in some form in 1096 and developed rapidly from 1167, when Henry II banned English students from attending the University of Paris.

In 1188, the historian, Gerald of Wales, gave a public reading to the assembled Oxford dons and in around 1190 the arrival of Emo of Friesland, the first known overseas student, set in motion the University's tradition of international scholarly links. By 1201, the University was headed by amagister scolarum Oxonie, on whom the title of Chancellor was conferred in 1214, and in 1231 the masters were recognised as a universitas or corporation.

In the 13th century, rioting between town and gown (townspeople and students) hastened the establishment of primitive halls of residence. These were succeeded by the first of Oxford's colleges, which began as medieval 'halls of residence' or endowed houses under the supervision of a Master. University, Balliol and Merton Colleges, which were established between 1249 and 1264, are the oldest.

Less than a century later, Oxford had achieved eminence above every other seat of learning, and won the praises of popes, kings and sages by virtue of its antiquity, curriculum, doctrine and privileges.Through the ages Oxford was the centre for lively controversy, with scholars involved in religious and political disputes. The 18th century was also an era of scientific discovery and religious revival. The University assumed a leading role in the Victorian era, especially in religious controversy. From 1833 onwards The Oxford Movement sought to revitalise the Catholic aspects of the Anglican Church.

From 1878, academic halls were established for women and they were admitted to full membership of the University in 1920. Five all-male colleges first admitted women in 1974 and, since then, all colleges have changed their statutes to admit both women and men. During the 20th and early 21st centuries, Oxford added to its humanistic core a major new research capacity in the natural and applied sciences, including medicine.

Admission requirements

UK requirements for international applications

Universities in the United Kingdom use a centralized system of undergraduate application: University and College Admissions Service (UCAS). It is used by both domestic and international students. Students have to register on the UCAS website before applying to the university. They will find all the necessary information about the application process on this website. Some graduate courses also require registration on this website, but in most cases students have to apply directly to the university. Some universities also accept undergraduate application through Common App (the information about it could be found on universities' websites).

Both undergraduate and graduate students may receive three types of responses from the university. The first one, “unconditional offer” means that you already reached all requirements and may be admitted to the university. The second one, “conditional offer” makes your admission possible if you fulfill some criteria – for example, have good grades on final exams. The third one, “unsuccessful application” means that you, unfortunately, could not be admitted to the university of you choice.

All universities require personal statement, which should include the reasons to study in the UK and the information about personal and professional goals of the student and a transcript, which includes grades received in high school or in the previous university.

Accreditations

2nd in the world (1st in the UK) in Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2015-16

3rd in the world (2nd in the UK) in Times Higher Education World Reputation Rankings 2015

6th in the world (2nd in the UK) in QS World University Rankings 2015-16

5th in the world (2nd in the UK) in Center for World University Rankings (CWUR): World University Rankings 2015

2nd in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2016

2nd in The Guardian University Guide 2016

2nd in The Complete University Guide 2016

Student's life

Studying at Oxford means being part of a diverse community of over 22,000 fellow students, drawn from over 140 different countries.

There are over 200 clubs and societies covering a wide variety of interests available for students to join or attend. Most academic areas have student societies of some form which are open to all students, regardless of course, for example the Scientific Society. There are groups for almost all faiths, political parties, countries and cultures. Most colleges have chapel choirs. Music, drama, and other arts societies exist both at collegiate level and as university-wide groups. Unlike most other collegiate societies, musical ensembles actively encourage players from other colleges.

There are two weekly student newspapers: the independent Cherwell and OUSU's The Oxford Student. Other publications include the Isis magazine, The Owl Journal, the satirical Oxymoron, and the graduate Oxonian Review. The student radio station is Oxide Radio.

Sport is played between college teams, in tournaments known as cuppers (the term is also used for some non-sporting competitions). In addition to these there are higher standard university wide groups. Significant focus is given to annual varsity matches played against Cambridge, the most famous of which is The Boat Race, watched by a TV audience of between five and ten million viewers. Much attention is given to the termly intercollegiate rowing regattas: Christ Church Regatta, Torpids and Summer Eights. As well as traditional sports, there are teams for activities such as Octopush and quidditch.

Why study here

Gifted men and women have studied or taught at the University throughout its history. Among them are 26 British Prime Ministers, at least 30 international leaders, 50 Nobel Prize winners, and 120 Olympic medal winners.

20th and 21st Centuries

Tony Abbott, former Prime Minister of Australia

HM King Abdullah II of Jordan

Sir Grantley Adams, former Premier of Barbados and Prime Minister of the West Indies

J M G (Tom) Adams, former Prime Minister of Barbados

Diran Adebayo, author

Samira Ahmed, journalist and presenter

Monica Ali, author

Tariq Ali, writer

Elizabeth Anscombe, philosopher

W H Auden, poet

Clement Attlee, former British Prime Minister

Zeinab Badawi, journalist and broadcaster

Solomon Bandaranaike, former Prime Minister of Sri Lanka

Sir Roger Bannister, neurologist and athlete

Kate Barker, economist

Dame Josephine Barnes, first female President of the British Medical Association

Gertrude Bell, explorer and archaeologist

Tony Benn, politician

Alan Bennett, playwright

Sir Lennox Berkeley, composer

Sir Isaiah Berlin, philosopher

Sir Tim Berners-Lee, inventor of the World Wide Web

Sir John Betjeman, poet

Benazir Bhutto, former Prime Minister of Pakistan

Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, former President and Prime Minister of Pakistan

Tony Blair, former British Prime Minister

Baruch S Blumberg, Nobel Prize-winning scientist

Henry Bonsu, journalist and broadcaster

Dr Ian Bostridge, opera singer

Sir Adrian Boult, conductor

William Boyd, author

Lord (Melvyn) Bragg, broadcaster

Katy Brand, comedian and actor

Justice Stephen Breyer, Associate Justice, Supreme Court of the United States

Vera Brittain, writer

Fiona Bruce, broadcaster

Dr Kofi Abrefa Busia, former Prime Minister of Ghana

Rt Hon David Cameron MP, current British Prime Minister

Mark Carney, Governor of the Bank of England

Baroness (Barbara) Castle, politician

Reeta Chakrabarti, journalist

Bill Clinton, former President of the United States

Yvette Cooper, MP, politician

Wendy Cope, poet

Dr Penelope Curtis, Director, Tate Britain

Richard Curtis, screenwriter

Cecil Day Lewis, poet

Cressida Dick, Assistant Commissioner, Metropolitan Police

Edward de Bono, philosopher

David Dimbleby, journalist and broadcaster

Sir John Eccles, scientist, winner of the Nobel Prize for Physiology

T S Eliot, poet

Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, chef and broadcaster

Helen Fielding, author

Lord Florey, Nobel Prize-winning pathologist

Emilia Fox, actor

Lady Antonia Fraser, novelist and historian

Malcolm Fraser, former Prime Minister of Australia

William Fulbright, politician, founder of the Fulbright Scholarships

Indira Gandhi, former Prime Minister of India

Dr Frene Ginwala, former Speaker of the South African National Assembly

William Golding, Nobel Prize-winning novelist

Hugh Grant, actor

Robert Graves, poet

Graham Greene, author

Sir John Gurdon, Nobel Prize-winning scientist

Mark Haddon, author

J B S Haldane, geneticist

Professor Stuart Hall, sociologist

Tony Hall (Lord Hall of Birkenhead), Director General of the BBC

Rt Hon Lady Justice Hallett, judge

Harald V, King of Norway

Bob Hawke, former Prime Minister of Australia

Professor Stephen Hawking, physicist

Sir Edward Heath, former British Prime Minister

Joseph Heller, author

Sir Cyril Hinshelwood, Nobel Prize-winning chemist

Dorothy Hodgkin, Nobel Prize-winning chemist

Edwin Hubble, astronomer

Ruth Hunt, chief executive of Stonewall

Aldous Huxley, author

Armando Iannucci, writer and comedian

Bobby Jindal, Governor of Louisiana, former US Congressman

Felicity Jones, actor

Lakshman Kadirgamar, former Sri Lankan Foreign Minister

Eleanor Kagan, Associate Justice of the US Supreme Court

Imran Khan, Pakistani politician and former international cricketer

Liaquat Ali Khan, first Prime Minister of Pakistan

Soweto Kinch, jazz musician, saxophonist

Dame Emma Kirkby, soprano

John Kufuor, former President of Ghana

Hari Kunzru, author

Haruhiko Kuroda, Governor of the Bank of Japan

Martha Lane Fox, businesswoman, co-founder of lastminute.com

Philip Larkin, poet

T E Lawrence, Lawrence of Arabia

Nigella Lawson, chef and broadcaster

John Le Carré, author

Sardar Farooq Ahmad Khan Leghari, former President of Pakistan

C S Lewis, writer and scholar

Ken Loach, film-maker

Alain Locke, philosopher and architect of the Harlem Renaissance

Val McDermid, crime writer

Neil MacGregor, Director of the British Museum

Harold Macmillan, former British Prime Minister

Norman Manley, former Leader of Jamaica

Dame Eliza Manningham-Buller, former Director General of the Security Service